Seized steering when come to use bike

manc_ian

Hi.

When i come to use my bike for a ride after it has been left for 5 days (after cleaning), my steering has seized up. I have to turn the handle bars several time to get the steering loose and whilst doing this there is a grinding/gritty noise. I feels like it is getting gradually stiffer and stiffer aswell.

There was a bit of play in my headset when i rocked the bike forward and backwards (with the brake on) so i tightened the headset very slighty and the steering was still fine. The stiffness just occurs every time the bike has been stored away for a few days.

Does something need replacing or re-greasing?

Help much appreciated.

Thanks

Ian

nicklouse

have a read of the headset servicing on park tools and then strip it down and have a look.

could need a clean and a greased, you could have washed the grease out and it just needs a lube or you could have killed it.

cjw

I had exactly the same symptoms. Stripped down and the lower bearing was brown with mud! Cleaned as best I could and regreased - so I can ride this weekend - but have to order replacement bearing set.